National Consumers League Statement on Senate HELP Committee Hearing

The 340B program has become a billion-dollar cash cow

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – Today, the Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on the 340B program, marking an important milestone in the conversation around reforming the program so it serves vulnerable patients – as it was intended to.

“The 340B program has become a billion-dollar cash cow, straying from its original mission and lining the pockets of big hospital businesses instead of helping patients,” said Sally Greenberg, CEO of National Consumers League. “We are hopeful that this hearing will finally push Congress to act. Not to put an end to 340B, but to reform it such that the program can once again serve its purpose.”

For years, the 340B program has grown unchecked, enriching large hospital systems and pharmacy chains while patients continue to face high drug costs and limited access to care. The program’s intent was simple: help safety-net providers stretch resources to reach underserved patients. But increasingly, discounts never reach those who need them most.

Now is the time for action. The National Consumers League urges Congress to use this moment to bring transparency, accountability, and patient-centered reform to 340B.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)        

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.